When Fire Meets Water
Last night was one of those peaceful, ordinary evenings. My son-in-law decided on a spur-of-the-moment night by the firepit. We roasted hotdogs, had a few sides, and toasted marshmallows for s’mores. It was simple, but it felt right.
As the day was coming to an end and the sun started dipping low, I found myself watching the fire. There’s something about a fire that draws you in. The way it dances and glows, the way it holds your attention without saying a word. It felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Then I noticed the kids doing what kids do. They were laughing and splashing water from their water bottles into the fire. Each splash sent up a hiss, a puff of steam, and more laughing. The flames jumped and cracked, but they kept burning, over and over, the fire held on.
I loved watching them, but something about it made me pause. I watched a little longer and thought the fire was strong, but if the kids had kept going, splash after splash, eventually the fire would have gone out. Even the hottest flame can’t survive if water keeps coming. And in that quiet moment, something stirred in me. A truth I need to remember.
When God lights a fire in your heart, you know it’s real. That fire gives off light, it warms others, brings life, and ignites purpose. But it’s not immune to the world around us. Life has a way of trying to put it out. Sometimes it’s through disappointment, distraction, or just the busyness of daily living. Other times, it’s the weight of negativity, our own fears, the trap of comparison, or the slow creep of compromise.
These things don’t usually drench the flame all at once. It’s more like a splash here, a splash there. And if we’re not paying attention, if we don’t guard the flame. We may one day look up and realize the fire God once lit in us has dimmed, or is nearly gone.
I’ve been here more than once, sadly. I know what it feels like when thet fire grows dim. It doesn’t always disappear suddenly. Most of the time, it fades slowly and quietly, almost without me noticing. I let too many things in. I assumed the fire would keep burning on its own, but the fire lacked what it needed.
So what does a fire need to keep going? It needs fuel and oxygen. A fire won’t stay alive just because it was lit once. It needs fresh things to burn. For me, that means spending time with God, soaking in His Word, worshipping, being around other believers, and slowing down enough to breathe and listen.
That fire also needs protecting. Not everything should be allowed near it. Just like a campfire can be drowned by too much water, our hearts can be smothered by too many distractions, and too many things pulling us in every direction.
Keeping the fire alive isn’t about striving or trying to prove something. It’s not about doing more or pushing yourself to get it right. It’s about staying close to the One who lit the flame in the first place. The One who knows how to keep it burning. Sometimes that means coming back to God again and again, even when all we feel we have left is cold ashes and a little bit of hope.
But ashes are not the end, God doesn’t walk away from cold hearts. He doesn’t shame us for letting the fire fade. He meets us in the ashes. He kneels beside what looks like nothing and reminds us He is still near and He is the God who restores. He is the God who reignites what once burned.
If your fire is still burning, even if it’s just a flicker, take care of it. Feed it with time in God’s presence. Stir it up with His Word. Protect it from the little things that try to put it out. Because those little things matter more than we think.
That fire around the fire pit reminded me of something important. Fire and water are both powerful, but they cannot live in the same space for long. One will always win. The same is true in our spiritual lives. We cannot burn with passion for God and stay soaked in distractions at the same time. One will overcome the other. And we get to choose which one we let in.
The good news is we serve a God who lights fires. Even if yours has gone out, He knows how to start it again. He is patient and He is kind and He is always ready to breathe life into a heart that’s willing.
The Day of the Lord and My Personal Journey
https://faithfulforager.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/The-Day-Of-The-Lord-And-My-Personal-Journey.mp4 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. Not a root or a branch will be left to them.” (Malachi 4:1) “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Malachi 4:2) This morning as I was reading Malachi 4, I was reminded of God’s justice and His holiness. The day of the Lord will come, and He will set everything right. But this isn’t just a call for judgment—it’s a call for me to reflect on my own life and examine where my time and attention are being spent. I know there are areas in my life where I’ve allowed distractions to take over—whether it’s playing games on my phone, scrolling through social media, spending time on personal projects, exercising, or even laying in bed for too long instead of starting my day with God. While none of these activities are inherently bad, I’ve noticed that I can sometimes let them consume more time than they should. When I lie in bed too long in the mornings, for instance, it often leads me to waste precious time that could have been spent connecting with God or setting a better tone for my day. The issue isn’t the activities themselves, but how much of my time they’re taking up. I have to ask myself: Is my time being used in a way that honors God, or have these distractions become idols that keep me from Him? Today, I’m reminded that God isn’t asking me to give up these things entirely. He’s simply calling me to be more intentional with my time—making sure that time with Him is a priority in my day. Acknowledging My StrugglesMalachi 4 speaks of judgment, but I see it as an invitation to evaluate my own heart. I recognize that I often let things like my phone, social media, personal projects, exercising, and even laying in bed too long take priority over time with God. These things are not bad in themselves, but when I let them consume more time than I should, they crowd out what truly matters. Today, I bring this before God and ask for His help in finding a balance. I want to enjoy these things but not at the cost of my relationship with Him. God, help me to be mindful of how I spend my time, and remind me to start each day by seeking You first. God’s Healing is for MeGod promises that for those who revere His name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing. I need that healing today, especially when I feel like I’ve been overwhelmed by distractions. When I let other things take over, I end up feeling disconnected or drained. But when I prioritize time with God, His presence restores me. I invite His light into my life today—shining into the places where I feel distant or spiritually dry. I trust that He will heal me, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, when I give Him the time He deserves. The Joy of RestorationMalachi 4 speaks about the joy that comes with restoration, describing how those who are faithful to God will “frolic like well-fed calves.” When I think about this, I picture a calf that’s well-nourished, full, and free to run around, full of energy and joy. It’s a picture of freedom and celebration, something that comes when God restores us. In this passage, Malachi is showing me that true joy comes from being in right relationship with God—when I allow Him to bring healing and peace into my life. I’ve noticed that sometimes I search for that joy in things that only leave me feeling empty. But the joy God offers is different—it’s a deep, lasting joy that comes when I’m fully aligned with His will. It’s the joy of being nourished and restored, knowing that I’m living in His purpose. Today, I want to choose that joy by focusing on what truly matters and allowing Him to fill me with the freedom and peace He promises. Living with Expectancy:Malachi also points to the coming of Elijah and the ultimate restoration that Christ will bring. I live with that same expectancy today, knowing that Christ will return and make all things new. In the midst of my daily activities, I want to live with the hope of His return, knowing that He is still working in me. Even the small choices—like getting out of bed on time to seek Him first or choosing to limit distractions—matter. God, help me to live with an expectant heart today, anticipating the work You’re doing in my life and in the world around me. Prayer Lord, as I read Malachi 4, I’m reminded that the Day of the Lord is coming—a day of judgment, but also a day of healing and restoration for those who revere Your name. I realize that I’ve allowed distractions like my phone, social media, personal projects, exercise, and even the habit of laying in bed for too long to take up more time than they should. These things are not bad in themselves, but I’ve let them crowd out my time with You. I ask for Your forgiveness and Your help in setting my priorities straight. Please shine Your healing light into my life and restore me. I want to live with expectancy, knowing that You will return, and I want to live in a way that reflects Your kingdom. Help me to prioritize You and seek Your righteousness above all else. Thank You for the joy, healing, and restoration You offer. In Jesus’ name,
Living with Integrity
I’ve been reading Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, and I’ll admit, sometimes the Old Testament can be hard to understand. God can seem harsh at times, but lately, as I dive in and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding through His incredible wisdom, I’m starting to see what God is really saying and how it applies to my life today. He’s been revealing areas in my life that I really need to work on. Understanding Malachi 2:1-8In this passage, God is speaking directly to the priests of Israel, rebuking them for their failure to honor Him. They had a sacred duty to lead and instruct people in His ways, but instead, they became corrupt, careless, and misleading. Verses 1-2 – A Warning to Those in Leadership“And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.” God isn’t just addressing the priests of Israel; He’s addressing anyone who holds influence. That includes me. Whether in my family, my workplace, my church, or my friendships, I have a responsibility to reflect God’s truth. But if I don’t take that responsibility seriously—if I’m careless with my actions and words—there are consequences. This makes me think and ask myself am I honoring God in how I live and speak? Or am I dishonoring Him by being careless with my leading, words and attitude? Verses 3-4 – Serious Consequences for Disobedience“Because of you, I will rebuke your descendants; I will smear on your faces the dung from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the Lord Almighty. This is strong language. God is saying that their corruption will not only affect them but will have consequences for those who come after them. That’s a sobering thought. As I reflected on this I asked myself how do my words and actions impact the people around me—especially those who look up to me? Am I setting an example that leads others to God, or am I making it harder for them to trust Him? Verses 5-7 – God’s Standard for Leadership“My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.” This is what God originally intended for His priests—to lead with truth, integrity, and reverence for Him. But instead, they had become self-serving. This reminded me that God calls me to a higher standard, too. This verse challenges me personally: Am I standing in awe of God, or have I become too casual in my faith? Am I speaking truth, or do I sometimes let dishonesty or harshness take over? Am I someone who helps others grow closer to God, or am I leading them further away—maybe without even realizing it? Verse 8 – The Heart of the Problem“But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. God is telling the priests: You were supposed to guide people to Me, but instead, you’ve led them away. That’s a serious accusation. And while I may not be a priest, my words and actions still have influence. So I asked myself have my words, actions, and leading ever caused someone to stumble? Have I ever hurt someone with my direction, attitude or tone? Have I ever made it harder for someone to see Jesus because of how I acted? As I tied everything together I read this morning this passage is a wake-up call. God is serious about integrity, especially when it comes to how we lead others—whether through our words, actions, or influence. He’s not just speaking to priests; He’s speaking to anyone who claims to follow Him. For me, this passage highlights a few things: I need to take my words seriously. If I’m careless with how I speak—if I’m harsh, impatient, or unkind—it doesn’t just affect me. It can cause real harm. God calls me to a higher standard. I’m supposed to reflect His truth and love, not just in what I believe but in how I act. This is a warning, but also an invitation. God doesn’t call me out just to condemn me—He wants me to turn back to Him, to do better, to honor Him in how I speak and live.
God Sees You, Even When You Sneak Away
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” Yesterday, as I was teaching Children’s Church, I had a special little guy in the room—my 3-year-old grandson. The class was held in a spacious gymnasium, filled with children ranging from 2 to 11 years old. As I began to teach the lesson, I couldn’t help but notice him inching toward the door, trying his best to sneak away. It was almost like he thought he could escape unnoticed, moving quietly and slowly. I couldn’t help but smile, assuming he was probably trying to find his way to his mom. I know from experience how challenging it can be to keep young children focused, especially in such a large space. So, I try to give them the freedom to move around if they need to. But what my grandson didn’t realize is that I had my eye on him the whole time, even as he tried to make his getaway. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think about how we sometimes behave with God. When we’re distracted or avoiding something, we may think we can slip away from His presence, that we can hide or escape without Him noticing. We might try to distance ourselves from Him in different ways, believing that He can’t see us or that we can get away unnoticed. But just as I was watching my grandson, God is always watching over us—His eyes are never off us. Psalm 139:7-10 serves as a powerful reminder that there is nowhere we can go where God isn’t already present. We can’t escape His love, His care, or His guidance. Even if we try to run or hide, He’s always right there with us, loving us and watching over us, even in the moments when we feel like sneaking away. What’s even more beautiful is that God doesn’t just watch over us; He gently calls us back, saying, ‘I see you—come back this way.’ He’s always ready to lead us back to where we need to be, if we’re willing to listen. No matter how far we think we’ve wandered, He’s never too far to reach us, always close enough to draw us back to Him. Are there areas in your life where you might be trying to “sneak away” from God’s presence? How can you be more aware of God’s constant presence and love, even in moments when you might want to run or hide? Take a moment today to reflect on the fact that God’s eyes are always on you, and His loving presence is with you wherever you go.
Am I giving my best?
Malachi 1:6-8″A son honors his father, and a servant his master.If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty… “When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty. I have always tried to understand why God gives us stories of old from the Bible and does it apply to my life today? What is He trying to teach me? How does an ancient message fit into my modern world? This morning, as I read Malachi 1, God gently challenged my heart: Am I truly giving Him my best? The Israelites in Malachi’s time had fallen into a dangerous habit—offering God sacrifices that were sick, lame, or left over. They wouldn’t dare give such gifts to their leaders, yet they gave them to God without a second thought. It made me think—how often do I approach God with half-hearted devotion? Do I give Him my first and best, or just what’s convenient? I feel many times I give him my leftover time, energy, and passion. See God is not asking for perfection from me, but He is asking for sincerity and honor. Just as I wouldn’t show up to an important meeting unprepared, I shouldn’t come before God with a careless heart. Yet in the midst of His correction, God reminds us of something powerful—His love never changes. Before addressing Israel’s failures, He first tells them, “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). His love isn’t based on my performance; it’s a constant, unshakable truth. That love calls me higher—not out of obligation, but out of thankfulness and gratitude. Today, as I examine my heart. I am want to give God my best in worship, in prayer, in my daily life? Not to earn His love, but because He deserves it. I don’t want to offer Him leftovers—I want to give Him my first and my best. My prayer to God today: Father, forgive me for the times I have given You less than my best. I don’t want to worship You out of routine or convenience, but out of love and reverence. Help me to honor You in all that I do and to put You first in my life. Thank You In what areas of my life have I been giving God my “leftovers”? How can I intentionally honor God with my time, energy, and devotion today? Let’s choose to give God our best—not out of duty,but out of love. He is worthy!
Clothed in Grace
https://faithfulforager.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Clothed-in-Grace.mp4 This morning, as I read through Genesis 46, I came across verse 22: “But to Benjamin he gave five changes of clothes and three hundred pieces of silver.” (Genesis 45:22) As I reflected on these words, I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of these particular gifts. Why five garments and 300 pieces of silver? What do they symbolize, and does it relate to me today? The number five in Scripture symbolizes grace, favor, and God’s abundant provision. As I reflected on these words, I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of these particular gifts. Why five garments and 300 pieces of silver? What do they symbolize, and does it relate to me today? When Joseph gives Benjamin five garments, it’s not just a gift—it represents God’s overflowing grace and provision. Garments, representing status, show how Joseph meets a need and symbolizes God’s abundant love. This reminded me that, just as Joseph blesses Benjamin, God clothes us in righteousness—not because we’ve earned it, but because of His love. Righteousness here means being made right with God, a new identity given through grace. It’s not something we achieve on our own, but a gift from God. The number three hundred also carries significant meaning, recalling how 300 men, chosen by God, defeated the Midianites through divine intervention. Joseph’s gift of 300 pieces of silver to Benjamin symbolizes God’s restoration—what was lost is now freely given, just as God’s provision and restoration come through His power, not ours. God’s grace is freely given, just as Joseph gave generously. I’m invited to receive it with gratitude, knowing that I’m made right with God and surrounded by His provision. As I reflect on Joseph’s gifts to Benjamin, l am reminded of the boundless grace and provision God offers to each of us. Just as Joseph blessed his brother, God continually blesses us with righteousness, restoration, and favor, not because of what we’ve done, but because of His incredible love. May we embrace His gifts with gratitude and trust, knowing that His grace is always more than enough.
Faithful Love
I have to share something that really touched my heart this morning while I was reading Genesis 39. I came across the verse where it says that God showed Joseph His faithful love, and it stopped me in my tracks. It made me want to dig deeper into what faithful love really means—what it meant for Joseph, and what it means for me right now. Genesis 39:21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love.” That phrase, faithful love, comes from the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (chesed)—a love that is unwavering, loyal, merciful, and kind. A love that doesn’t waver based on circumstances. But what really got me was this—God’s love for Joseph wasn’t proven by taking him out of the prison. It was proven by being with him in it. Joseph wasn’t alone. Even in the middle of his suffering, God was showing him kindness, favor, and purpose. And that made me pause and ask myself: How often do I look at my own circumstances and wonder where God is? It’s so easy to doubt His love when things feel hard, when life doesn’t go the way I hoped. But this verse reminds me that I can’t measure God’s faithfulness by what I’m going through in the moment. Just because I don’t see the full picture yet doesn’t mean He isn’t working. I know that when I face difficulties, my first instinct is often to focus on the struggle rather than trusting that God is working behind the scenes. But Joseph’s story reminds me of something powerful—what the enemy meant for harm, God turned for good (Genesis 50:20). The prison wasn’t the end of Joseph’s story. It was actually the very thing that positioned him for the palace. And I believe the same is true for you and me. No matter what we’re walking through, God’s chesed—His faithful love—never leaves us. He is with us, He is for us, and even in the hardest, most confusing moments, He is working things together for something greater than we can see right now. So today, I’m holding onto this truth: His love is present. His plan is unfolding. And no matter what the enemy tries to use for harm, God will turn it for good. I have a video i made to share as well. https://faithfulforager.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Faithful-Love.mp4